50/50 formula breastfeeding?!?

I've been breastfeeding 80% of the time and 20% formula since my daughter was born due to that being what she had in the hospital. She is 1 month and I've had to start taking a medication that isn't ideal for breastfeeding. I've switched to accommodate by formula feeding her all day, waiting 6+ hrs after I took my medication, and then breastfeeding all night and morning. The good news is she's been much less fussy and actually sleeps for stretches of time now (something she didn't do when I breastfed during the day). It pains me to not breastfeed her full time and I worry the formula will have consequences for her future (have health problems, ADHD, not be as smart, etc). Any advice or any other moms have to do formula or similar feedings?

Fed is best. Millions upon millions of babies grow up on formula. For a long time it wasn't the "in" thing to BF (breastfeed, or boyfriend) and moms chose formula over BFing all the time. Both my parents were EFF and neither have any allergies. My dad has anxiety and I do too but I was EBF (extended breastfeeding, exclusively breastfeeding) so it wasn't the formula.

Yes, breast is best and if you can EBF (extended breastfeeding, exclusively breastfeeding) that's considered optimal. But is formula bad or going to ruin them? No. You need to do what's right for your child.

My first son was EBF (extended breastfeeding, exclusively breastfeeding) and this new LO (little one) had a tongue tie and by the time it was fixed I couldn't EBF (extended breastfeeding, exclusively breastfeeding) and he wasn't gaining. We're now doing a mix of formula and BF (breastfeed, or boyfriend) and he's gaining great.

It's going to be OK. I know exactly how you're feeling because I went through the exact thoughts.

I am also doing both formula and breastfeeding I'm only supplementing with formula to keep my sanity lol as I have two other daughters and I feel like she is eating all day long. I usually give her anywhere between 2-6oz in 24 hrs depending on how I'm doing that day( i feel stressed out sometimes trying to get things done or taking care of my other girls) or how much she is eating. As far as worrying about formula affecting her in those ways you mention not at all. breast milk does seem to help them not get sick as often or get better sooner but my main reason is that my first baby was eff after 3 months and she would get constipated all the time it was horrible and I felt so bad, with my two younger ones I have tried sticking to breastfeeding I have also noticed they get less colicky bf as well but that's just my experience and what I have noticed. Breast is best but it's ok to ff as long as your baby is being fed sometimes as moms we are too hard on ourselves and stress over everything.

Like PP (previous poster) said, there was a time when formula was the thing to do not BF. I was more mostly FF (formula feeding or forward facing) as my mom just couldn't keep up as she just started running a business. My husband was also FF. I am perfectly healthy. Graduated both high school and college with honors and now run my own business. Where does it say that formula makes you dumb?

My first son, we had to supplement due to not gaining. He is healthy, funny, social, and smart. I am having to supplement here and there with my second son. Not what I necessarily wanted but as long as he is gaining and doing alright then I am okay with that. I know they say breastcis best but I think fed is best.

I totally understand where you're at. I'm having to decide, with this baby, if I can breastfeed at all, because my medication is very dangerous and necessary. I may have to exclusively formula feed. But the thing is, my two oldest were almost exclusively formula fed and they are healthy and smart and developing well and fabulous kids. They have not had any issues. Breast IS best. That's just a fact. But formula is a REALLY GREAT alternative, especially when you need it for health reasons, and your baby will be perfect. Don't worry.

Where did you come up with this whole waiting 6+ hours to breastfeed after taking your medication thing? If you're taking a medication unsafe for breastfeeding, you shouldn't breastfeed, or switch medication.

I was breast and formula fed and I've got a master's and I'm starting my doctoral program in cellular and molecular biology in two months. I've got some allergies but other than that, healthy as a horse. Relax.👌🏻

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The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.' - Isaac Asimov

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